The Funkiest Man In Africa

Sila | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2006)
• Original Release Date: February 1, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Visila Records
• ASIN: B000E40TPI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #713,945 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Sila epitomizes what people love about this century’s music: Energy, honesty, generosity, ecstasy, and a full-tilt dedication to digging the groove until the last call. Sila’s music titillates the senses and people everywhere have developed a healthy appetite for his funky fusion of African rhythm, American funk, Soukous, Afrobeat, and Reggae. Inspired by his Kenyan roots and his love for all genres of music, his sound is unique, yet instantly recognizable. His lyrics and beats reflect the music, the language, the energy, and the spirit of growing up in Africa. As a child in the Kikamba village in Kenya, Sila was an imaginative five-year old who nurtured his love for music by singing the traditional songs of his ancestors, along with the ubiquitous songs of Prince, Otis Redding and the Beatles. Sila’s AfroFunk sound reflects the music of his ancestors, of Africa, and his own interpretation of American music. His music resonates with listeners, as it mirrors the core elements of everyday life experiences. While currently based in America, he continues to journey home to collaborate and jam with locals and legendary tribal musicians. As a result, he never strays far from the essence of his lush musical roots. Now living in San Francisco, Sila thrives in yet another vibrant and diverse musical community. Sila and the AfroFunk Experience has been igniting dance floors everywhere. The music is a uniting force; a whirlwind that sweeps people into a dancing frenzy. A natural band-leader, Sila’s onstage charisma adds another level of depth to the performances. Backed by a group of seasoned, energetic players, including horns (Mike Pitre, David Boyce and Andre Webb ), bass (Wendell Rand), drums (Tai Kenning), guitars (Ken House and David James), percussion (Ricky Carter), and talking drum (Samba Guisse), Sila’s soulful vocals deliver a powerful message. What also sets Sila apart is his desire and capacity to give. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for peace and children, and he takes the time to remind us all that we should all be doing more for the children of the world. Sila has dedicated his concerts to raise funds for UNICEF - Emergency Relief for the Children of Sudan, and he continues to work with other organizations working toward the improvement of the living conditions and the status of children. He sings in both English and Swahili, and his songs are about life—the joys, the struggles, the triumphs, justice, peace, and the need to nurture not only the children of the world, but also all of humanity.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Afro-beat and Afro-folk from California, February 25, 2009

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Funkiest Man In Africa (Audio CD)

Sila, a Kenyan expatriate living in the SF Bay Area is backed by a loose-limbed, funky band, reviving the original, politically-charged spirit of '70s afrofunk with this earnest set of danceable groove tunes. The long shadow of Fela Kuti hangs over the first half of this album, with a bit of Gil Scott-Heron in there as well... On the last few tracks the band gets a little dubby, slower, and more experimental... and a bit, um, challenging. But folks who like socially-conscious pop and dance music might wanna check these folks out... especially at a live gig! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)